Difficulties may suddenly strike us one after another.

Difficulties may suddenly strike us one after another.

 

 

With the permission of the sovereign God,

Satan took away everything Job owned "suddenly"

(Job 1:15, 19), stripping him not only of his oxen,

donkeys, sheep, and camels,

but also of the lives of his servants,

and even further, the lives of his ten children.

Job heard this news from the servants

who had "barely" (vv. 15, 16, 17, 19) survived,

and then he arose, tore his robe, shaved his head,

fell to the ground, and worshipped God (v. 20).

As I reflected on this passage,

it occurred to me that sudden hardships

could also strike our lives one after another.

Within God's sovereignty, it is possible that Satan might be permitted

to attack our families and take away what we possess.

Thus, we might find ourselves barely managing to endure each day,

living through great shock, deep sorrow, and pain.

But how can we worship God like Job did in such a state?

How could David enter the house of the Lord

and worship God after his child died?

(2 Samuel 12:20)

How could Hannah dedicate her child

to the Lord for life and worship God?

(1 Samuel 1:27)

If we focus on trying to understand God's actions and seeking His will,

we will never be able to worship God.

However, if we focus on God's sovereignty and who He is,

we can worship Him in faith, no matter the circumstances.